HomeFOLAC FAQ's
FOLAC Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to take an online training?
There are no face-to-face meetings nor set times one must be online. Participants will take part in threaded discussions, take quizzes, write unit reflections and create projects such as lesson plans, charts or applications. The content of a NEFEC online training is divided into weekly sections which are released every Friday. Participants are given 10 days to complete the weekly assignments which are due each Sunday. Participants may work at their convenience during the week but must adhere to the training schedule.
What are the requirements for passing the FOLAC training?
In order to successfully complete the FOLAC training, participants must complete all assignments, score 80% on the post-test and unit tests, submit the final reflective essay, and communicate regularly online with classmates as well as the online instructor. A final weighted score of 80% or higher is required.
Does FOLAC count towards the Reading Endorsement?
This 60-hour training, delivered completely online, meets the full requirement of Competency 1, Foundations of Language and Cognition, of the Reading Endorsement Add-on Certification Program. Visit the Just Read, Florida! Website for more information about the reading endorsement.
How much time can I expect to spend on the FOLAC training?
The FOLAC training is fifteen weeks and participants on average spend 4-6 hours per week to complete assignments. Background knowledge and technical skills contribute to the amount of time needed to complete assignments.
Can I move through the FOLAC Training more quickly?
The FOLAC training is NOT self-paced. FOLAC offers flexibility to work at your convenience during the week but assignments are due each Sunday. New lessons are released automatically each Friday which gives participants 10 days to complete the lesson. All assignments should be completed by the given due date. Because threaded discussions are used throughout this training, it is important for participants to stay current each week so communication is maximized and discussions develop fully between participants.
Will the FOLAC training continue during the holidays?
No. For those sessions running through November and December, the training will be suspended for one week for Thanksgiving and two weeks for Christmas vacation. No new assignments will be given during that time.
What is the cost to participate in FOLAC?
The FOLAC training is FREE to Florida Educators but on a tier priority for reading teachers, reading coaches, principals, elementary teachers, and other content-area teachers. Teachers on leave of absence from their school districts can register as well but would initially go on a waiting list to ensure all other educators are served first.
How do I register for the FOLAC training?
Online registration will be implemented through the NEFEC Regional Training Calendar and Registration System starting January 10, 2007 . Registrations are NOT accepted until 7:00 AM on January 10, 2007. Once registration opens, visit the FOLAC website for a list of available sessions located on the right of the screen. Use the links to access the registration for the desired session. When the link to a session is clicked, a page with additional information about the training will appear. At the bottom of the page is a link to register by creating a MyNEFEC account. Follow the registration prompts through the next series of screens to provide contact information.When asked for payment information, if you fall into one the tiers please indicate payment type of “Other” and enter the payment number of Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 or Tier 4. A series of questions will be asked as part of the registration to determine and verify the priority level. For those who do not qualify for one of the Tiers, indicate payment type of “Other” and enter the payment number of “Other.”
When will I be notified if my registration has been accepted?
Once registration is complete, an automated email confirmation will be sent indicating that registration has been received. After registrations are processed and approved based on the priorities, a final confirmation will be sent no later than one week before the start date of the training.
I see that it says "registration closed for this session." Is there any way I can still join in this session?
No. Once all available seats in a session are filled, no new registrations will be accepted for that session. Other sessions may be available and registrations will be accepted only for open sessions.
What can I do if my registration is not accepted because all complimentary slots are filled and I am not classified as one of the tiers?
NEFEC accepts paid registrations for anyone who wishes to take the FOLAC training but is not able to participate in one of the free sessions. The fee is $240 plus book fee of $88. Contact Garnette Knapp, NEFEC Distance Learning Program Specialist, for more information.
How do I get started with FOLAC?
Three days before the scheduled start date of the training, an email will be sent to each participant with login information and directions for accessing the FOLAC training through Blackboard, NEFEC's course management system, at http://bb.nefec.org. Sometimes legitimate email messages are filtered by spam or junk mail filters within an email program. If you have not received login information by the close of business on the Friday before the training starts, please check first to see if the message is in a junk or spam mail folder within your email program. If you do not find it, contact Heather Symonds, NEFEC Secretary, to verify your email on record is correct and to have the information resent.
What is the required text and how do I get a copy of it?
The textbook for this training is 'Literacy for the 21st Century, 4th Edition,' written by Gail E. Tompkins published by Prentice Hall (ISBN 0-13-119076-8). Please contact your district (Contact List) for a copy or order one from NEFEC for a fee of $88. To order a book from NEFEC, submit payment of $88 to the address below. Shipping charges are included. Once payment is received it will be shipped to the address provided. Send payment with request to purchase an FOLAC book to Heather Symonds' attention at NEFEC at the address below.
Orders will be processed and shipped within 24 hours of receiving payment. Contact Stephanie Saxby, NEFEC Secretary, for additional information about book orders.
Where do I send the book and training fees, if applicable?
Please send payment for books and/or training fees to Heather Symonds’ attention at the following address:
NEFEC
Attn: Heather Symonds
Distance Learning Program
3841 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
For questions about payment including receipts and refunds, please contact Heather Symonds, NEFEC Secretary.
What if I do not have the textbook by the time the training starts? Will I be able to start the FOLAC training without it?
The textbook is needed beginning the third week of the FOLAC training so you can begin the training without it. Do not delay starting the training because you do not have the textbook.
How do I cancel my registration for FOLAC?
There is a two-week add/drop period during which participants can withdraw from a training without penalty and receive a full refund, if a training fee has been paid. If you wish to cancel your registration, please email Heather Symonds, NEFEC Secretary, with your request by the 14th day of the training (end of the second week). Cancellations can be requested anytime but refunds will only be given if one cancels by the end of the second week of the training. Participants who cancel may register for another session only if space is available.
Why was I cancelled from the FOLAC training?
Participants who have not logged into the training and completed all assignments during the first week will be dropped from the training by the end of the second week. Participants who have not completed all assignments through Week 2 will be dropped from the training at the end of the fourth week. The FOLAC training is NOT self-paced and participants are expected to stay on schedule and submit assignments by the given due dates as outlined on the training schedule. Your online instructor will make several attempts to contact you before submitting your name to be dropped from the training.
I just received an email that my registration for FOLAC (Competency 1) has been cancelled. I know that I am behind in the course, but I was planning on catching up. Is there any way I can get back in the course?
No. Participants who are dropped may register for another session only if space is available. They will NOT be added back to the session from which they were dropped.
How do I get inservice credit for FOLAC?
Upon successful completion of all assigned tasks, a certificate of completion will be provided within two weeks following the end date of the training. This certificate should be turned in to one’s district staff development office to receive 60 inservice points for this training. Follow-up activities are incorporated in the training and no additional work is needed in order to receive inservice points. Participants will submit the certificate of completion along with a district-specific inservice credit form to the staff development office to be awarded 60 inservice points.
Can I get college credit for FOLAC?
No. NEFEC does is not an accredited post-secondary institution and college credit cannot be awarded.
If you have a question which is not answered here, email it to knappg@nefec.org.
